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Recent Winter Pack Reviews

Deuter Pace 36

The Pace 36 is a weight-shaving daypack with a very light frame and wide mesh hip belt. I applaud Deuter for figuring out how to make a bag this light that is also quite comfortable. The pockets and features are things people can actually use; I would take this along as a winter day/summit bag. The Pace 36 can carry a surprising amount of weight comfortably, but it would not be my choice for consistently carrying more than 30 pounds on a regular basis. The simplicity that helps make this so easy… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Snowtastic 28 Backpack

The Mountain Hardwear Snowtastic 28 pack is a good idea that just wasn't executed very well. Some of the flaws can be fixed with very little time and money, others leave me scratching my head and asking "why did they choose to do it that way?" As far as carrying capacity, I'd say it's great for day trips, but accessing your stuff isn't the easiest. I bought the MH Snowtastic 28 because I want to get a little more adventurous in my snowshoeing this year, and my Camelbak pack doesn't hold much more… Full review

Mystery Ranch Sweetpea

Bomber construction, with decent features, but lacks in carry comfort. I have long been a fan of Mystery Ranch products, and the earlier incarnation of Dana Design when they were still made in the U.S. It's difficult to find a brand more dedicated to amazing quality and innovation in a fairly stagnant industry. The three-zip design makes for easy access to contents within, but takes a bit more effort to open and close than a traditional panel or top loader. Classic 500 D Cordura means durability… Full review

REI Pinnacle 35 Pack

Great pack for rock climbing or other alpine adventures. It is also comfortable on long outings. I initially didn't think I would like this pack. I waiting until it went on mega sale to purchase it as I wasn't sold on the roll top closure. It turns out the roll top is actually much more functional that a regular lid for a climbing pack. I am able to get all my gear in and out easily. The packs fits fairly well and the shoulder straps and hip belt are padded sufficiently. I wouldn't throw a 100lb… Full review

CamelBak Hellion

I've had this pack for about 4 months now. I bought it at an estate sale for $15 brand new with tags! When I bought it I didn't know what it was worth but I knew the CamelBak name and figured it was worth more than that. I was right! I have been using this pack for the last 4 months, and last month I went on a two week prepper's excursion and we tested our gear thoroughly. I accidentally dropped this thing out of a tree almost 20 feet fully loaded and it's still just fine. This is a great pack! Full review

Arc'teryx Quintic 28

Excellent all around pack. Great for skiing, day hikes, travel, class, etc. I would definitely recommend this pack! I debated whether to get this pack when it came out. Did I need it? Was it worth the price tag? I got this pack for skiing, and have now since used it for everything! to day hikes, up an avalanche, to traveling state to state, to exploring a glacier for hours walking along on the ice crawling into caves, and just walking about the city. It is so light and well constructed. Weighs next… Full review

DaKine Frontier 36L

Awesome, durable, full feature winter pack. I use the Dakine Frontier with my K2 Panoramic Splitboard. It doesn't have a dedicated snowboard carry, but both the cable carry and A-frame carry methods work for me. In most cases, if I'm carrying my split, it's because I'm on my way up and it's too steep for my skins to grip. I rarely have a need to carry it otherwise. The hydration bladder tube is a little hard to get into the shoulder strap on mine because there is a plastic panel going across… Full review

Mammut Trea Guide 40+7

A good pack for ski mountaineering. Durable material, nice equipement-specific features and comfortable carry system. Recommended for women who want a fairly large pack for day trips or long weekends. I bought this pack specifically to use for ski mountaineering, although I'm hoping it will be good for some hiking in the summer as well. In the store, I was specifically looking for a pack of about 40 liters, with a good ski carry system and a 'wet' pocket to separate out skins, shovel and probe. Full review

Osprey Kode 30

A decent sidecountry pack, but a little too small for full-day backcountry tours. I have used this pack for a couple of seasons, mainly on backcountry ski tours as it is designed for, but also for some day hikes. It's at its best for spring tours when I don't need to carry a lot of extra bulky clothing, but is space-limited for winter tours, especially if I need to carry crampons. I am tall with a long back, but the pack fits me well, and I like the minimally padded shoulder straps and belt, which… Full review